Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The air sacs in the lungs become damaged and stretched. This results in a chronic cough and difficulty breathing.

Smoking is the most common cause, but emphysema can also be genetic. There is no cure, but quitting smoking can stop emphysema from getting worse.

In the United States (U.S.), 3.5 million people, or 1.5 percent of the population, received a diagnosis of emphysema in 2016. The number of deaths involving emphysema was 7,455, or 2.3 people in every 100,000.

Fast facts on emphysema

Here are some key points about emphysema. More information is in the body of this article.

This is thought to enhance lung recoil and to improve the function of the diaphragm. In severe cases, this can improve lung function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life.

Lung transplantation improves quality of life, but not life-expectancy, for people with severe emphysema.

Lifelong drug therapy is necessary to prevent the immune system from rejecting the new tissue. One or both lungs may be transplanted.

Treatment of exacerbations

Complications can be managed using drug and oxygen therapy. Antibiotics can help in cases of bacterial infection.

Most exacerbations are treated with corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone, and oxygen therapy.

Opioid drugs may relieve severe coughing and pain may be relieved by opioid drugs.

In 2014, scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston succeeded in growing human lungs using stem cells. In the future, this could offer hope for people with emphysema and other lung conditions.

Pulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle management

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of care for people with emphysema.

It aims to help people improve their lifestyle by quitting smoking, following a healthful diet, and getting some exercise.

Drinking plenty of water can help keep the airways clear by loosening the mucus.

In winter, avoiding cold air can prevent muscular spasms. A scarf around the mouth or a cold-air face mask may help.

These changes may not alter the overall course of the illness, but they can help people live with the condition, and improve exercise capacity and quality of life.

Exercises that can help improve breathing include diaphragmatic breathing, purse-lip breathing, and deep breathing.

Causes

Cigarette smoking is responsible for at least 85 percent of cases of emphysema and COPD.

However, not all smokers will develop it, only those who are genetically susceptible.

Other inhaled toxins that can lead to emphysema and COPD include work-related ones. In some countries, smoke from indoor cooking and heating is the main cause.

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